WUHAN - Many people have volunteered to help rescue white swans that are threatened with being poisoned and hunted in a wetland in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.

However, experts have warned that too much attention could also be a problem for the birds.

The Wuhan Evening News reported last week that more than 50 migratory birds, including two white swans that are under national second-class protection, were found dead. A third swan was found with part of a metal trap on its leg.

Bags containing toxic pesticides have been found scattered around the wetland.

The reports have aroused much public concern, and a growing number of people have gone to the area to help protect these endangered animals.

A China Daily reporter on Sunday morning saw an animal protection group, with about 30 members, post a banner urging the public to "protect wild animals" in the wetland, where the birds' bodies were found.

"We are a civil organization and we volunteered to come here," said a young member, who only gave his surname as Liu. "We hope to raise public awareness about protecting these wild animals and alert government departments to take responsibility."

The body of a poisoned swan found in a wetland in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Feb 9. About 50 migratory birds have been found dead recently in the wetland. Jin Zhenqiang / for China Daily